Stepdown backup lights

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Greetings from Colorado!



What type of backup lights were used on the stepdowns? Specifically 1951 Hornet. Was there a factory accessory or were they mainly after market units? Did the hydromatic transmission have a backup light switch or was a manual backup switch used?



Thanks! George T.

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    The back-up light accessory sold by most Hudson dealers was one made by Unity. There were certainly others Guide,Dietz etc but Unity was sold by Hudson. The hydromatic had a switch on the bottom of the steering column as a safety measure to prevent starting up in gear and on this neutral safety switch,there is a provision for hooking up a back-up light.When the car is in reverse the switch activates. If you own a 3 speed then you can just hook up a manual switch on the dash. The placement of the light is up to you. Most were installed near the driver side rear bumperette. Cars could also have lights drilled and installed on the trunk lid. Your choice of one or two lights. good luck.
  • 464Saloon
    464Saloon Senior Contributor
    Damn Lance is there anything you don't know about these cars??? You are like a Hudson encyclopedia. It amazes me the details you know on these cars.
    Hudzilla wrote:
    The back-up light accessory sold by most Hudson dealers was one made by Unity. There were certainly others Guide,Dietz etc but Unity was sold by Hudson. The hydromatic had a switch on the bottom of the steering column as a safety measure to prevent starting up in gear and on this neutral safety switch,there is a provision for hooking up a back-up light.When the car is in reverse the switch activates. If you own a 3 speed then you can just hook up a manual switch on the dash. The placement of the light is up to you. Most were installed near the driver side rear bumperette. Cars could also have lights drilled and installed on the trunk lid. Your choice of one or two lights. good luck.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Rob, The sickness I have is the "septic tank of worthless information" syndrome! But thanks for the kind works.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Thank you sir!



    Great information.



    George T.
  • EssexAdv
    EssexAdv Expert Adviser, Member
    I have a NOS set of B-U lamps for 1951 (not for sale) they are in teh original Hudson box and have the mounting template. They mount under the tail lamps. They are Unity lamps. Teh only thing which is Hudson spicific ids h larve mounting rubber which is angled to make the lamps sit vertical rather then on the angle of the rear fender
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    EssexAdv wrote:
    I have a NOS set of B-U lamps for 1951 (not for sale) they are in teh original Hudson box and have the mounting template. They mount under the tail lamps. They are Unity lamps. Teh only thing which is Hudson spicific ids h larve mounting rubber which is angled to make the lamps sit vertical rather then on the angle of the rear fender





    My first Hudson, a 1952 Commodore had the Unity lamps with the angled rubber mount as described which were mounted above the tail lamps. Of course, the '52s and '53s had the lower tail lamps. I have also seen them mounted on the rear body panel below the deck lid lined up just inside of the outer bumper guards. There have also been a few out there with the lamps mounted in the deck lid down at the lower most corners, about 2" in from the lip. This just goes to say that the vast majority of the lamps were dealer installed options and they put them wherever they felt that they looked the best. :rolleyes:
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    George T. wrote:
    Greetings from Colorado!



    What type of backup lights were used on the stepdowns? Specifically 1951 Hornet. Was there a factory accessory or were they mainly after market units? Did the hydromatic transmission have a backup light switch or was a manual backup switch used?



    Thanks! George T.



    I have added some pictures here that may help you. A 1952-53 Hudson Backup lite kit, the Kit installed, An Earlier Unity single light installed and a manual backup light switch installed in a Hudson.



    Good Luck
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    George T. wrote:
    Greetings from Colorado!



    What type of backup lights were used on the stepdowns? Specifically 1951 Hornet. Was there a factory accessory or were they mainly after market units? Did the hydromatic transmission have a backup light switch or was a manual backup switch used?



    Thanks! George T.



    Hi I have posted several pictures which may help you with the back up light questions.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If you get a set of lights, I have the schematic (template) that will show you exactly where to drill the holes.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    George T. wrote:
    Greetings from Colorado!



    What type of backup lights were used on the stepdowns? Specifically 1951 Hornet. Was there a factory accessory or were they mainly after market units? Did the hydromatic transmission have a backup light switch or was a manual backup switch used?



    Thanks! George T.



    George, I went through my pictures and thought the following might assist you. Cheers from Texas
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